August 25, (THEWILL) – In a $31 million jury verdict handed out on Wednesday, against Los Angeles County, Kobe Bryant’s widow was awarded $16 million as part of the punishment for deputies and firefighters sharing graphic images of the late NBA star, his teenage daughter and other people, who died in the 2020 helicopter accident.
The nine jurors all concurred that Vanessa Bryant’s privacy had been violated and that the images had upset her. As it was read, she sobbed silently.
On Kobe Bryant Day, which is observed in LA on August 24, in honour of his jersey numbers, 8 and 24, and the day following his birthday, the jury deliberated for 4 1/2 hours before coming to a decision. Bryant’s 44th birthday would have been on Tuesday.
Outside of the courthouse, a county attorney declined to comment on the verdict.
Most of the people who shared the photos were members of the LA County sheriff’s and fire departments, including several, who were playing video games and attending an awards ceremony. Additionally, some of their spouses and, in one instance, a bartender at a bar where a deputy was drinking, witnessed them.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
